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Media
This page chronicles Parangal Dance Company's media coverage in articles and videos (coming soon!) from SF Bay Area, nationwide, and international performances.
Publications
Asian Journal 2009
Aspiring to Inspire
Parangal's 1st Anniversary Show
Parangal's 1st Anniversary Show
SF Chronicle - 32nd SFEDF 2010
32nd Ethnic Dance Festival June 2010 "Among the discoveries was the Parangal Dance Company's fervent facsimile of a religious ritual from the Philippine islands of Palawan and Mindanao. Erik Espartinez Solano's choreography begins with an introspective women's candle ceremony, which yields to a more boisterous section for men with banners. Sheaves of grain reinforce the piece's function as a fertility rite."
SF Chronicle - Allan Ulrich
SF Chronicle - Allan Ulrich
Asian Journal - 32nd SFEDF
In Dance - Dancer's Group
Parangal Passes It On
by Vivian Chu
“We want to learn and grow artistically with a group of people who are passionate about Philippine dance. We dance for one another and the community, while giving tribute to our heritage. That’s why we named our group Parangal–[it] means ‘tribute’,” says Eric Espartinez Solano, the artistic director of the San Francisco-based Parangal Dance Company. Although a relatively new company at three years old, Parangal’s presence already feels established with ongoing weekly Philippine folk dance workshops at Alonzo King Lines Dance Center, performances at events such as the annual Pistahan Parade and Festival in San Francisco, and creative collaborations with cultural presenters such as Kularts. Solano describes this as part of the mission of the group. To him, Parangal is much more than a dance company.
“We aim to serve as a bridge, inspiring and connecting Filipino Americans to their roots to give them a sense of pride and identity, while educating diverse communities and fostering awareness and appreciation of Philippine culture. As much as possible, we extend invitations to other groups to perform with us so we can truly represent, showcase, and expose the general public to Philippine culture.”
http://dancersgroup.org/2011/07/parangal-passes-it-on/
“We want to learn and grow artistically with a group of people who are passionate about Philippine dance. We dance for one another and the community, while giving tribute to our heritage. That’s why we named our group Parangal–[it] means ‘tribute’,” says Eric Espartinez Solano, the artistic director of the San Francisco-based Parangal Dance Company. Although a relatively new company at three years old, Parangal’s presence already feels established with ongoing weekly Philippine folk dance workshops at Alonzo King Lines Dance Center, performances at events such as the annual Pistahan Parade and Festival in San Francisco, and creative collaborations with cultural presenters such as Kularts. Solano describes this as part of the mission of the group. To him, Parangal is much more than a dance company.
“We aim to serve as a bridge, inspiring and connecting Filipino Americans to their roots to give them a sense of pride and identity, while educating diverse communities and fostering awareness and appreciation of Philippine culture. As much as possible, we extend invitations to other groups to perform with us so we can truly represent, showcase, and expose the general public to Philippine culture.”
http://dancersgroup.org/2011/07/parangal-passes-it-on/
SF Chronicle - 33rd SFEDF 2011
S.F. Ethnic Dance Festival review: Moving worlds
DANCE REVIEW
"The Parangal Dance Company offered Filipino-inspired "Subanen," a mélange of ceremonial evocations, from an ethereal dance for women delicately balancing bowls on their heads that sounded like small bells to the earthy clash of bamboo poles and swish of a sinalimba, an enormous swinging platform."
SF Chronicle - Mary Ellen Hunt, Special to the Chronicle 33nd Ethnic Dance Festival June 2011
DANCE REVIEW
"The Parangal Dance Company offered Filipino-inspired "Subanen," a mélange of ceremonial evocations, from an ethereal dance for women delicately balancing bowls on their heads that sounded like small bells to the earthy clash of bamboo poles and swish of a sinalimba, an enormous swinging platform."
SF Chronicle - Mary Ellen Hunt, Special to the Chronicle 33nd Ethnic Dance Festival June 2011
Hyphen Magazine
SAN FRANCISCO ETHNIC DANCE FESTIVAL: BEHIND THE SCENES WITH PARANGAL DANCE COMPANY
Joy Tang
June 9, 2011
For an interview subject, Eric Solano, artistic director and board president of Parangal Dance Company, seemed just as concerned about me as he was about his own work. This quiet and humble manner is also reflected in his artistic process. In creating a world premiere for the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, Eric was deeply mindful of his role as a tradition-bearer in relationship with his community.
We talked with Eric about his process of honoring his master teachers while also adapting dances for contemporary performance settings. Learn how Parangal Dance Company's piece this year highlights the diversity that is the Filipino traditional experience.
Joy Tang
June 9, 2011
For an interview subject, Eric Solano, artistic director and board president of Parangal Dance Company, seemed just as concerned about me as he was about his own work. This quiet and humble manner is also reflected in his artistic process. In creating a world premiere for the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, Eric was deeply mindful of his role as a tradition-bearer in relationship with his community.
We talked with Eric about his process of honoring his master teachers while also adapting dances for contemporary performance settings. Learn how Parangal Dance Company's piece this year highlights the diversity that is the Filipino traditional experience.
SF Chronicle - 35th SFEDF 2013
In the premiere of "Sayap," Eric Solano, director of Parangal Dance Company, offered an opulently appointed narrative from the Philippines' Pulangi River basin. The tale is about courtship, strife and a wedding, but everything here - from the gorgeously constructed costumes and the sublime gamelan score to the exciting Filipino bamboo pole dances - bespoke artistry and commitment of the highest order.
Allan Ulrich - San Francisco Chronicle's Dance Correspondent
http://www.sfgate.com/performance/article/Ethnic-Dance-Festival-spans-the-globe-4605897.php
Parangal Dance Company offered a show-stopping Philippines wedding celebration from Mindinao. Created by Eric Solano, in a series that included dances for women in silk robes, with sinuously curving wrists; a secret meeting between the engaged couple; an intense martial arts fight with knives and poles and kicks, including elements contributed by Indonesian, Malaysian, and Chinese immigrants to the Philippines, and an amazing performance of the traditional bamboo pole dance called Singkil, where dancers’ ankles dodge the slamming poles in the nick of time. Capping it was the bride’s arrival under wraps, in a sedan chair. She was revealed in a glory of white and gold brocade to her waiting prince and subjects beneath canopies of turquoise and fluttering flags, and everyone danced on to a happy ending.
Janice Bergman - San Francisco Classical Voice
http://www.sfcv.org/reviews/the-joy-is-contagious-at-the-ethnic-dance-festival
Allan Ulrich - San Francisco Chronicle's Dance Correspondent
http://www.sfgate.com/performance/article/Ethnic-Dance-Festival-spans-the-globe-4605897.php
Parangal Dance Company offered a show-stopping Philippines wedding celebration from Mindinao. Created by Eric Solano, in a series that included dances for women in silk robes, with sinuously curving wrists; a secret meeting between the engaged couple; an intense martial arts fight with knives and poles and kicks, including elements contributed by Indonesian, Malaysian, and Chinese immigrants to the Philippines, and an amazing performance of the traditional bamboo pole dance called Singkil, where dancers’ ankles dodge the slamming poles in the nick of time. Capping it was the bride’s arrival under wraps, in a sedan chair. She was revealed in a glory of white and gold brocade to her waiting prince and subjects beneath canopies of turquoise and fluttering flags, and everyone danced on to a happy ending.
Janice Bergman - San Francisco Classical Voice
http://www.sfcv.org/reviews/the-joy-is-contagious-at-the-ethnic-dance-festival
Asian Journal 35th SFEDF 2013
Seeing the world on the dance stage
By Malou Liwanag-Bledsoe
Published: May 30, 2013
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Parangal Dance Company featuring Eskabo Daan and Kawayan Folk Arts will perform the weekend of June 15 and 16 at the Lam Research Theater at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco. Choreographer Eric Solano will present the tale of a royal marriage from Mindanao. This elaborate presentation will mesmerize the audience with a full stage of traditional dancers, attire, symbolic flags, martial arts, gongs and drums.
http://asianjournal.com/aj-magazines/seeing-the-world-on-the-dance-stage/
By Malou Liwanag-Bledsoe
Published: May 30, 2013
--
Parangal Dance Company featuring Eskabo Daan and Kawayan Folk Arts will perform the weekend of June 15 and 16 at the Lam Research Theater at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco. Choreographer Eric Solano will present the tale of a royal marriage from Mindanao. This elaborate presentation will mesmerize the audience with a full stage of traditional dancers, attire, symbolic flags, martial arts, gongs and drums.
http://asianjournal.com/aj-magazines/seeing-the-world-on-the-dance-stage/
Asian Journal Handuraw 2013
A showcase of culture and tradition – Parangal Dance Company celebrates its 5th year with ‘Handuraw’ on Oct. 5
By Malou Liwanag-Bledsoe
Published: September 26, 2013
TRADITIONS are an integral part of any culture. For us Filipinos, a tradition is something we follow and pass on to the younger generation. The rituals and/or rites of passage are as staple as our love for adobo.
On October 5, Parangal Dance Company will celebrate its fifth year by recognizing those traditions through its anniversary performance, Handuraw. A Cebuano word meaning “to reminisce or flashback,” Handuraw is a culmination of research and dances learned from indigenous groups and cultural bearers and masters from the southern Philippines and United States.
The show focuses and showcases culture, traditions, (with) inspired music and dances, all from Southern Philippines from five (5) ethonolinguistic groups—Tagbanua from Palawan and Mindanao island, Talaandig from Bukidnon, Maguindanaon from Cotabato, Yakan from Basilan and Ta’u Sug from Sulu,” said Eric Solano, Parangal’s Founder, Board President and Artistic Director.
http://asianjournal.com/aj-magazines/a-showcase-of-culture-and-tradition-parangal-dance-company-celebrates-its-5th-year-with-handuraw-on-oct-5/
By Malou Liwanag-Bledsoe
Published: September 26, 2013
TRADITIONS are an integral part of any culture. For us Filipinos, a tradition is something we follow and pass on to the younger generation. The rituals and/or rites of passage are as staple as our love for adobo.
On October 5, Parangal Dance Company will celebrate its fifth year by recognizing those traditions through its anniversary performance, Handuraw. A Cebuano word meaning “to reminisce or flashback,” Handuraw is a culmination of research and dances learned from indigenous groups and cultural bearers and masters from the southern Philippines and United States.
The show focuses and showcases culture, traditions, (with) inspired music and dances, all from Southern Philippines from five (5) ethonolinguistic groups—Tagbanua from Palawan and Mindanao island, Talaandig from Bukidnon, Maguindanaon from Cotabato, Yakan from Basilan and Ta’u Sug from Sulu,” said Eric Solano, Parangal’s Founder, Board President and Artistic Director.
http://asianjournal.com/aj-magazines/a-showcase-of-culture-and-tradition-parangal-dance-company-celebrates-its-5th-year-with-handuraw-on-oct-5/
Asian Journal 34th SFEDF
Parangal Dance Company Among the 300 dancers and 30 internationally-focused dance companies who auditioned and selected to perform is Parangal Dance Company, headed by its Director, Eric Solano. This year, Parangal is proud to present Pangaddatan sin Ta’u Sug (Ta’u Sug customs and traditions) on June 21-22.
Solano, who has also been recently selected as Master Artist by Alliance for California Tradition Arts for the Ta’u Sug Pangalay dance form, personally went to the Philippines to immerse and research the tradition, culture and dance of the Ta’u Sugs.
Helping him with the story or piece for their performance is Ta’u Sug Cultural Master Sitti Obeso or Aunty Lingling, to make sure that the group’s attire, songs, chants and all details are authentic and true to the Ta’u Sug culture. Aunty Lingling, to make sure that the group’s attire, songs, chants and all details are authentic and true to the Ta’u Sug culture. Aunty Lingling is also a former member of the pioneering Ta’u Sug performing arts, the Dayang-Dayang Dance Troupe, which was founded in the 1970s.
Ta’u Sug comes from two words: ta’u means person, and sug, current. They are coastal people of the current from Jolo, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and other parts of Sulu archipelago in Philippines including Davao, are known for their colorful vinta boats and mastery in weaving, embroidery, pottery, and goldsmithing. Ta’u Sugs are well known for dance— Pangalay, rooted in tradition that predates the arrivals of both Christianity and Islam in the Philippines.
See performance at Adobo Nation and SF Ethnic Dance Festival
Pangadattan sin Ta'u Sug was also featured in Sayaw a film by Cecilio Asuncion.
Solano, who has also been recently selected as Master Artist by Alliance for California Tradition Arts for the Ta’u Sug Pangalay dance form, personally went to the Philippines to immerse and research the tradition, culture and dance of the Ta’u Sugs.
Helping him with the story or piece for their performance is Ta’u Sug Cultural Master Sitti Obeso or Aunty Lingling, to make sure that the group’s attire, songs, chants and all details are authentic and true to the Ta’u Sug culture. Aunty Lingling, to make sure that the group’s attire, songs, chants and all details are authentic and true to the Ta’u Sug culture. Aunty Lingling is also a former member of the pioneering Ta’u Sug performing arts, the Dayang-Dayang Dance Troupe, which was founded in the 1970s.
Ta’u Sug comes from two words: ta’u means person, and sug, current. They are coastal people of the current from Jolo, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and other parts of Sulu archipelago in Philippines including Davao, are known for their colorful vinta boats and mastery in weaving, embroidery, pottery, and goldsmithing. Ta’u Sugs are well known for dance— Pangalay, rooted in tradition that predates the arrivals of both Christianity and Islam in the Philippines.
See performance at Adobo Nation and SF Ethnic Dance Festival
Pangadattan sin Ta'u Sug was also featured in Sayaw a film by Cecilio Asuncion.
Global Nation Inquirer - 2014 SFEDF
Parangal to showcase Ta’u Sug artistry in San Francisco ethnic dance fest
By: Lydia Neff - @inquirerdotnet
INQUIRER.net US Bureau / 07:26 AM June 13, 2014
SAN FRANCISCO, California – The Bay Area’s Parangal Dance Company, representing the Philippines with Ta’u Sug movements, will get another opportunity to showcase its artistry at this year’s San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, on June 21and 22 at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.
For the company’s fifth year of participating in the festival, Artistic Director and Founder Eric Solano did several researches through indigenous resources while traveling in the Philippines to prepare for the festival auditions.
“Of all the pieces we have performed at the festival, the Ta’u Sug piece this year will be the most rooted piece we have ever worked on,” Solano explained.
Read more: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/106359/parangal-to-showcase-tau-sug-artistry-in-san-francisco-ethnic-dance-fest#ixzz4RBx5lPJI
INQUIRER.net US Bureau / 07:26 AM June 13, 2014
SAN FRANCISCO, California – The Bay Area’s Parangal Dance Company, representing the Philippines with Ta’u Sug movements, will get another opportunity to showcase its artistry at this year’s San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, on June 21and 22 at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.
For the company’s fifth year of participating in the festival, Artistic Director and Founder Eric Solano did several researches through indigenous resources while traveling in the Philippines to prepare for the festival auditions.
“Of all the pieces we have performed at the festival, the Ta’u Sug piece this year will be the most rooted piece we have ever worked on,” Solano explained.
Read more: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/106359/parangal-to-showcase-tau-sug-artistry-in-san-francisco-ethnic-dance-fest#ixzz4RBx5lPJI
North Carolina - The Mountaineer North Carolina
The 2015 Folkmoot Festival came to Main Street, Waynesville, with the annual Parade of Nations. The delegates and dancers from the United States, Canada, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Chile, Ecuador, Estonia, Jamaica, The Philippines and Puerto Ricodanced and sang down Main Street before stopping for a short performance in front of the Historic Haywood County Courthouse.
Rachel Robles
http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/parade-of-nations/1377930
Rachel Robles
http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/p/parade-of-nations/1377930
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